LBLCPCB C9

Chapter 9

An hour later, Xu Lizhu and Xu Songlan returned to the front hall under the escort of yamen guards.

Their eyes were blood‑red, still rimmed with unshed tears. The moment they saw Zhu Song, both dropped to their knees with grief‑stricken pleas:

“My lord, only after thirteen long years do we finally know our sister’s family was slaughtered in conspiracy. Thirteen years ago I failed to save her. Thirteen years later, I will dedicate my all to aiding you in uncovering the truth. Please, allow us to stay, to be of what little use we can.”

Cases that old were always hard to investigate; even if they had not offered, Zhu Song had never intended to dismiss them. Since they volunteered, he followed their lead. He stepped forward, gently lifting Xu Lizhu by the arm.

“To discern the truth is this court’s duty. Yet your sincerity is felt. If you truly wish to remain, so be it.”

Xu Lizhu rose with thanks.

“Sit.” Zhu Song gestured for them to take seats, ordering the yamen officers, “Bring tea.”

After further bows, the two sat.

Zhu Song went straight to the point. “Is Wang Shichang still in Qingzhou?”

“Yes,” Xu admitted. “He has remained there. Does he relate to this case?”

“The matter is old,” Zhu Song replied. “Lin Feng remembers far too little. We must question each possible suspect.”

Nodding, Xu began to recount:

“Wang Shichang was betrothed to my sister Wanyin by our father himself. The Wang clan thrived in medicinal trade, close partners of ours. At that time Wang was heir apparent, not only talented but known for propriety and discipline—even overly rigid. As a husband he was courteous but dull; young ladies took no delight in him.

He and Wanyin grew up together a decade and remained colder than mere friends. Until that summer when Wanyin was eighteen.

That day, she arrived late for a lake outing—all the flower boats had been rented. She was despondent, until Lin Sicheng, aboard one, saw her and invited her.

From then, she and Lin met often. Within six months, she begged to break her marriage contract. Father raged, refused outright. Shamed, she began a hunger strike—three days to the cusp of death. Mother, moved to tears, implored Father, but still he refused. At last, desperate to save her, Mother went secretly to the Wangs and broke the engagement herself.

Wang Shichang, learning she loved another, though stricken in countenance, did not make things difficult. He himself tore the betrothal paper.

When Father learned, he fell stricken. He declared Wanyin no child of Xu again should she proceed—and thus they broke ties. Three months later she wed Lin, with Mother’s quiet dowry, and Father passed soon after, heart embittered.

At that time, Lin Sicheng made conspicuous display of his rare red coral, boasting it an heirloom. I, mingling among the crowd, judged it no more than a fine specimen meant to inflate price. As a merchant, I knew his games of speculation. He even let Wanyin present with their small children upon the stage. I urged her to desist—she would not listen.

When I left the capital, I heard Wang Shichang had come too. Business bonds between Wangs and us remained, though now he sent retainers in his place, not himself. Later, I heard rumors he sought secret meeting with Wanyin.

At the time I dismissed it—a man she no longer belonged to. Yet within the month, Shuyun Manor burned.

I grieved too deeply for further thought. But indeed, he has never wed. To this day, without heir or wife. Perhaps his affection ran too deep—but a killer? I… cannot believe it.”

His words trailed, but the meaning was clear. Zhu Song saw he did not suspect Wang, whose reputation was solid.

He nodded and asked instead: “And Lin Feng, these years?”

“Only said some benefactor rescued him. Nothing more.”

Dismissed, Xu’s party withdrew.

Just then, a runner arrived: “My lord, reports say Lin Feng resided these past years in a villa called Zhuqing Courtyard. But the true owner cannot be traced.”

Zhu Song frowned. Even Dali Si could not identify a title holder? Striking indeed.

“Report it to Lord Gu,” he ordered.

Gu controlled city land records with Qu Zhoubai—if anyone could learn, it would be them.

Before the man had even gone, another rushed in. “My lord, Wang Shichang is here.”

“What? Was he not in Qingzhou? Already in the capital?”

“Yes. He came himself. Our men are already en route to Qingzhou. Recall them?”

“No. Let them continue. They may learn more there.”

“Understood.”

“Bring him in.”

Soon entered a man of fifty‑three, black robe worn, hair silvered. His eyes brimmed with despair, face aged far beyond his years—more like seventy. Yet his features were upright, scholarly, melancholic but with dignity. Zhu Song’s first impression was oddly favorable.

Wang bent to kneel, but Zhu raised his hand. “Not necessary. Sit.”

“Thank you, my lord.”

Seated, Wang spoke softly: “This humble one, Wang Shichang. Two days ago word of the old tragedy reached me. Knowing I once was tied with Lady Xu Wanyin of Shuyun Manor, I thought some matter you might wish asked of me—thus I came swiftly.”

Sorrow brimmed his expression, yet his tone was calm, his words measured. Zhu thought again of Xu Lizhu’s testimony—he indeed seemed a rigid man.

“Then answer, tell me truth. Thirteen years ago, was it you who sought secret meeting with Lady Xu?”

Wang’s eyes softened with memory. “At that time Lin had acquired red coral, parading it to the court. Lady Xu accompanied him. I heard whispers of slander, so I sought to warn her. I offered her cloak and jewelry. She refused, scolded me.”

“And then?”

“Chastened, I troubled her no further. I watched three of their exhibitions, and left the capital.”

“After the fire—did you return?”

“No.” He shook his head. “Mother hindered me, pressed me for marriage. Meanwhile, Lady Xu—she spurned me living, why would she welcome me dead? I mourned from afar, lit offerings, but never returned.”

“You have never married since?”

He met Zhu Song’s eyes steadily. “You would imply motive. But had I lusted so, why yield the betrothal so easily? Lady Xu was fierce but pure. Had I refused, she would not have flown to Lin. Marriage would have been mine by bond alone. But I could not. Thus, not murder.”

His meaning clear: Wanyin could abandon her father, but never shame herself by elopement.

Zhu nodded. “So be it. Until case closed, remain in the capital. Cooperate as called.”

“Of course.”

Escorted away, he departed with dignity.

Later, Zhu missed Gu at lunch. Asking, a guard answered: “Lord Gu went to the Prefecture. Not yet returned.”

“Oh.” Zhu had nearly forgotten.

When Gu did return at dusk, he called immediately upon entering: “Water.”

Zhu poured him a cup. “So parched? Where have you been?”

Gu upended it in a single draught. “At the Prefecture. But I will drink not his tea.”

Zhu chuckled. The quarrels between Gu and Qu Zhoubai had become daily child’s play. He asked, “The Bamboo Courtyard?”

Gu’s face grew grave. “Indeed suspicious. The deed is registered to a ‘Li Mingsi.’ But that is an eighty‑year‑old widower of Xiliu Village—clearly just a decoy. The entire afternoon we searched—the trail stops there. Qu himself has gone to find the man.”

“So. And here, how fared?” Gu asked.

Zhu recounted the day, emphasizing Lin Feng. “I had the kitchens prepare him special lunch. Discovered something odd.”

“Oh?”

“Among abalone, dried scallop, wild goose breast—he touched none. But the shark’s fin, he ate.”

Gu frowned. “Where did you get shark’s fin?”

Zhu shuffled awkwardly, glancing up. “From that store you left in the kitchen.”

Gu’s face darkened. “I expressly forbade them to touch it.”

“Only a little,” Zhu laughed weakly.

His scowl softened. “And your conclusion?”

“Either he tired of the rest—or he mistook fin as something unknown.”

Meaning: He didn’t recognize such a delicacy.

Gu sighed. “You fool. Do you not know what Bamboo Courtyard is? Though set in suburb hillsides, it is finest estate—only nobility house kin there. If he lived there, these dishes would be common to him. No need for such tests.”

Zhu realized his folly—driving himself in circles. “You’re right. Better we simply interrogate him again.”

Gu stopped him. “Wait. Qu should return shortly.”

Zhu nodded. “So be it.”